A £500 CHANCE FOR TEENAGERS TO SAY WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT BONUS CULTURE

12.01.00pm GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Following the launch of the national annual ifs Young Business Writer of the Year competition local MP Andrew Stunell has urged teenagers living in the Stockport area to get involved and say what they think about bankers pay and bonuses.

The banking crisis has had wide ranging effects on the UK and much has been said about the huge salaries and bonuses enjoyed by City bankers but up until now voices from younger generations have been left out.

That's all set to change with the start of this competition which is open to all UK school and college students aged between 14 and 19 and enables them to test their writing skills by inviting them to come up with a 1,000 word article with the headline, "Bankers rewards - asking for trouble?" As well as the title "ifs Young Business Writer of the Year", the winner will also receive a £500 cash prize.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

"This competition offers teenagers a fantastic chance not only to hone their writing skills and get them thinking about banking and finance issues but also to have their voices heard on a wider level.

"I strongly urge bright and engaged youngsters from across the Stockport community to grab this opportunity with both hands."

Rod McKee, Head of Financial Capability of the ifs School of Finance, said:

"We are pleased that Mr Stunell has highlighted some of the benefits of this popular competition and urged his constituents to submit an entry. Issues relating to bankers rewards can be complex and contentious so it will be interesting to read local teenagers views."

Anyone aged between 14 and 19 who wishes to enter the competition simply has to e-mail their article (which must not exceed 1,000 words) to ybwy@ifslearning.ac.uk between now and the competition closing date of Monday 26 January 2009.

For more information please visit www.financialcapability.co.uk

ENDS